Irving Park Food Pantry

The Irving Park Community Food Pantry began as a response in the neighborhood to frequent requests for food. In the early 1970s Leila Duncan, a member of Irving Park United Methodist Church, purchased and delivered groceries personally to individuals and families in the area. We are proud of our history .

The Irving Park Community Food Pantry focuses on increasing community awareness of hunger related issues as well as feeding people at risk of hunger. We serve people regardless of religious, ethnic or political affiliation. The Pantry is governed by a voluntary Board of Directors . A volunteer staff of 15-20 individuals assists with all phases of operation. Our resources come from a variety of sources. The Pantry is open for food distribution every Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. The Pantry's service area includes all of zip code 60641 and that portion of 60618 west of Kedzie Ave.

FOOD DRIVES

The Irving Park Community Food Pantry extends our appreciation to the following organizations, churches, schools and businesses who have helped to brighten the holidays for those we help by hosting Holiday food and toy drives, fundraisers, or collecting other donations to benefit our Pantry:

Businesses:

Allstate Insurance

Community Savings Bank

Jewel/Osco - Six Corners Store

Little Helpers, Inc

PC Mac - Taco Tuesday

Starbucks - Various locations

RCN/Customer Care

Organizations:

Girl Scouts Troops #1223 and #756

Little Helpers Community Services

Old Irving Park Association

Terraces of Old Irving Park Townhome Association

UNITE Civic Association

Churches & Schools:

Carter Westminster Church

Chicago International Charter Schools - Irving Park Branch

Grover Cleveland Elementary School

Disney Magnet School II

Faith United in Christ Church, Spaghetti with Santa

Irving Park Lutheran Church

Kid Watch Child Care

Lane Technical High Schools

Mount Olive Evangelical Free Church

Parkview Lutheran Church

St. Patrick's High School

St. Viator's School

On-going: Little Helpers Community Services (4473 N. Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60630). Collecting both people and pet food People food will be donated to the Irving Park Community Food Pantry. For information call 773-539-9410.

EXPRESS STAMPS

The Irving Park Community Food Pantry was selected as the only food pantry in Chicago and one of only two in Cook County to pilot a new and rapid means to apply for Food Stamps. This project is being developed by the Greater Chicago Food Depository, the Illinois Department of Human Services and the US Department of Agriculture. Applicants who qualify for Food Stamps will receive a Link Card and can activate it within two days. This allows our clients to receive and utilize these benefits within days rather than the traditional 30 day waiting period most applicants experience. Those who are in need of on-going assistance will need to confirm their eligibility in person at their Illinois Department of Human Services office to continue to receive assistance. This pilot program is limited to those who live within our Pantry's boundaries.

Celebrating 25 Years of Helping to Meet the Hunger Needs of Our Community * December, 2009: 2,524 People in 813 Households Served * Pantry is honored with the 2009 Best Community Outreach Award from the Greater Chicago Food Depository.....Thank you to all of our community partners for your support!

Congratulations and thank you to the Disney II Magnet School Winter Accessories Drive Contest Winners. Mrs. Maria Schnaufer's First Grade class collected the most winter accessories within the school. We know that many of our clients will be warmer this year because of their efforts.